LONGUEUIL, Q.C. — Émile Cordeau has been named chief executive officer at Agropur Cooperative, effective Oct. 15. Agropur said it decided to accelerate its succession plan “in view of other opportunities for Mr. Cordeau.”

“We are very pleased that Émile has agreed to take the helm of the organization and continue his career with us," said Roger Massicotte, president of Agropur. “His deep knowledge of the cooperative, his talent and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate for the position.”

Mr. Cordeau joined Agropur in 2013 as vice-president of process improvement. Since then, he has held a series of leadership positions, including vice-president of the cooperative’s fine cheese business unit, vice-president of food services and proximity retail and most recently senior vice-president and chief financial officer.

He succeeds Robert Coallier, who will retire from the dairy cooperative at the end of the year. Mr. Coallier has been c.e.o. at Agropur for eight years, during which the cooperative implemented an acquisitions plan that made it one of the top 20 dairy processors in the world. Today, the cooperative processes more than 6.2 billion liters of milk per year at 39 plants across North America. Its roster of brands and products includes Natrel, OKA, iOGO, biPro, Agropur Grand Cheddar, Olympic, Farmers, Island Farms and Quebon.